Quality of Life Issues in
Student Family Housing
Student Family Housing
Redevelopment Committee
Fall 2014
Quality of Life Issues in Student Family Housing
Can look at the issues from multiple perspectives:
!  Psychology
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
!  Health
•  Eight Dimensions of Wellness
!  Institutional Mission
•  Defining Effective Educational Practices Research Project
•  Principles of Community from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
!  Professional Best Practices
•  Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Eight Dimensions of Wellness1
Wellness is not the absence of disease, illness or stress, but the presence of purpose in life, active involvement
in satisfying work and play, joyful relationships, a healthy body and living environment, and happiness.2
Emotional
Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
Environmental Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
Financial
Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual
Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
Occupational
Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
Physical
Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods and sleep
Social
Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
Spiritual
Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life
1  Dunn, H.L. (1961). High-Level Wellness, Beatty Press: Arlington, VA.
2  Adapted from Swarbrick, M. (2006). A Wellness Approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29(4), 311–314.
Best Practices as determined by the
Defining Effective Educational Practices Research Project
time and energy
best predictor
devoted to
of
educationally purposeful activities
learning and personal development
ENGAGEMENT
From Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Schuh, J. H., Whitt, E. J. & Associates (2005). Student success in college: Creating conditions that matter. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Best Practices as determined by the
Defining Effective Educational Practices Research Project
Effective educational practices of institutions that perform well on student
engagement and graduation rates:
1.  High academic challenge
2.  Active and collaborative learning
3.  Interaction with faculty
4.  Enriching educational experiences – internships, service, study abroad,
co-curricular activities, culminating senior experience
5.  Supportive campus environment:
a.  help students succeed academically, cope with nonacademic
responsibilities, thrive socially
b.  promote good relations between students and peers, staff and faculty
From Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Schuh, J. H., Whitt, E. J. & Associates (2005). Student success in college: Creating conditions that matter. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Principles of Community
In 1990, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching initiated a study of community,
entitled Campus Life: In Search of Community. Ernest Boyer developed six principles that defined the kind
of community every college and university should strive to be.
Purposeful
Faculty and students share academic goals and work together to strengthen teaching and
learning.
Open
Freedom of expression is uncompromisingly protected and civility is powerfully affirmed.
Just
The sacredness of the person is honored and diversity is aggressively pursued.
Disciplined
Individuals accept their obligations to the group and well-defined governance procedures
guide behavior for the common good.
Caring
The well-being of each member is sensitively supported and service to others is
encouraged.
Celebrative
The heritage of the institution is remembered and rituals affirming both tradition and
change are widely shared.
Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
CAS is a consortium of professional associations that develops and
promulgates standards and guidelines.
•  44 sets of functional area standards for higher education programs and services
•  standards provide a means for assessing program and service effectiveness
•  Graduate and Professional Student Programs and Services
•  Housing and Residential Life Programs
•  International Student Programs and Services
•  Parent and Family Programs
http://www.cas.edu
Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
Examples of CAS Standards for Housing and Residential Life Programs
•  create an environment that encourages safety, community engagement, academic achievement and personal
development
•  nurture environments that are welcoming to and bring together persons of diverse backgrounds
•  involve students in programming, policy development, and self-governance
•  initiate collaborative interactions with stakeholders who have legitimate concerns and interests
•  address characteristics and needs of diverse populations when establishing and implementing policies and procedures
•  apply effective practices to educational and administrative processes
•  be responsive to needs of individuals, diverse and special populations
•  instill strong norms of acceptable behavior regarding respecting others' rights - security, quiet, etc.
•  conduct regular evaluations of resident satisfaction with programs and services, resident relations and sense of
community, safety and security, ability to study in apartment, interactions with staff, responsiveness of administration to
resident suggestions and concerns
Community
A group of people
sharing a common purpose,
are interdependent for the fulfillment of certain needs,
live in close proximity,
interact on a regular basis,
share in defining expectations for all members of the group
assume responsibility for meeting these expectations, and
are respectful and considerate of the individuality of others.
From Conneely, R. (1992). The development of community. In V. Gore (Ed.), ACUHO-I family housing monograph (pp. 29-35). Columbus, OH: ACUHO-I.
Community Development
The process of shaping the environment,
or building on the experiences and needs of members, both individually and collectively,
of creating the attitudes and developing the skills necessary to
progress toward the realization of those conditions which make up the community.
From Conneely, R. (1992). The development of community. In V. Gore (Ed.), ACUHO-I family housing monograph (pp. 29-35). Columbus, OH: ACUHO-I.
Sense of Community
That “feeling” of cooperation and commitment to the group welfare,
of a willingness to communicate openly, and
of responsibility to and for others as well as one’s self.1
Not just a place where interaction occurs,
but a spirit of connection and commitment
that sustains relationships and purpose.2
1  Conneely, R. (1992). The development of community. In V. Gore (Ed.), ACUHO-I family housing monograph (pp. 29-35). Columbus, OH: ACUHO-I.
2  Komives, S. R., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T. R. (1998). Exploring leadership: For college students who want to make a difference. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Developing a List of Quality of Life Issues in Student Family Housing
By combining the concepts from the various sources, we can determine categories for quality of life issues and begin to
develop a list of these issues. We will go back to our notes from open forums as well as discussions with residents and
other constituents to continue adding to this list.
Environmental
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temperature control, ventilation
natural light
privacy
aesthetically pleasing landscaping & buildings
Family & Functional Needs
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adequate closet & storage space
kitchen facilities
laundry
parking spaces & policies (including distance to apt)
bathroom facilities (e.g., bathtub)
ability to use patios & balconies to suit family needs
mail
plenty of outlets
a variety of apartment options (studios, 1 & 2 bed, 3 bed?)
1st & 2nd floors for residents with children
access for community members with disabilities
Developing a List of Quality of Life Issues in Student Family Housing
Safety & Security
•  secure locks
•  ability to lock windows open a few inches
•  relatively safe for children to play outside
Financial
•  assistance in accessing financial support programs (certified enrollment counselors – CalFresh, WIC, Medi-Cal,
Covered California, Housing Choice Vouchers / Section 8)
•  spousal employment
•  UC Davis childcare reimbursement funds
•  affordable rent
Coping with Nonacademic Issues
•  child care, school, after-school activities, elder care
•  information on community support programs
Academic Success
•  sufficiently quiet (e.g., insulation between walls)
•  study space
•  wi-fi
Developing a List of Quality of Life Issues in Student Family Housing
Social Relationships & Community Development
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community space with a kitchen and play area
outdoor recreational space
residents involved in development of policies & procedures
apartments laid out to increase interaction
community events to develop relationships & enjoy others
behavioral norms well-defined and effective response protocols for noncompliance
social media & email lists (e.g., babysitting & child care)
orientation & welcome for new residents
structure in place to appreciate staff & community members
Diversity
•  eligibility policies (definition of family, gender-neutral, etc.)
•  policies and procedures impact on international students/families
•  community programming that affirms a diversity of cultures and traditions
Administration
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responsive to residents’ needs (satisfaction surveys, follow-up on concerns)
structure in place to solicit feedback & follow-up on issues
maintenance protocols
positive relationships with most residents